Read the Bible
KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 21:14–21

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Share
Email linkOpen a new message in your email app
Read chapter
More
Report an issueTell us about a text or study problem

PASSAGE SELECTION

Build from either side

8 selected · 2 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

39 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 14

  1. Proverbs 19:6Rank 1 from verse 14
    Open

    6Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

  2. Proverbs 18:16Rank 2 from verse 14
    Open

    16A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

  3. 1 Samuel 25:35Rank 3 from verse 14
    Open

    35So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.

  4. Matthew 6:3–4Rank 4 from verse 14
    Open

    3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

    4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

  5. Proverbs 17:8Rank 5 from verse 14
    Open

    8A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

From verse 15

  1. Proverbs 10:29Rank 1 from verse 15
    Open

    29The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

  2. Matthew 7:23Rank 2 from verse 15
    Open

    23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

  3. Ecclesiastes 3:12Rank 3 from verse 15
    Open

    12I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

  4. Isaiah 64:5Rank 4 from verse 15
    Open

    5Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.

  5. Job 29:12–17Rank 5 from verse 15
    Open

    12Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.

    13The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.

    14I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.

    15I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.

    16I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

    17And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

From verse 16

  1. Hebrews 10:38Rank 1 from verse 16
    Open

    38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

  2. Psalms 125:5Rank 2 from verse 16
    Open

    5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.

  3. 1 John 2:19Rank 3 from verse 16
    Open

    19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

  4. Hebrews 10:26–27Rank 4 from verse 16
    Open

    26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

    27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

  5. Psalms 49:14Rank 5 from verse 16
    Open

    14Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

From verse 17

  1. Proverbs 23:21Rank 1 from verse 17
    Open

    21For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

  2. 1 Timothy 5:6Rank 2 from verse 17
    Open

    6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

  3. 2 Timothy 3:4Rank 3 from verse 17
    Open

    4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

  4. Proverbs 5:10–11Rank 4 from verse 17
    Open

    10Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

    11And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

  5. Proverbs 21:20Rank 5 from verse 17
    Open

    20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

From verse 18

  1. Proverbs 11:8Rank 1 from verse 18
    Open

    8The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

  2. Isaiah 43:3–4Rank 2 from verse 18
    Open

    3For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

    4Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

  3. Isaiah 53:4–5Rank 3 from verse 18
    Open

    4¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

    5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

  4. 1 Peter 3:18Rank 4 from verse 18
    Open

    18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

  5. Isaiah 55:8–9Rank 5 from verse 18
    Open

    8¶ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

    9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

From verse 19

  1. Proverbs 21:9Rank 1 from verse 19
    Open

    9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

  2. Psalms 55:6–7Rank 2 from verse 19
    Open

    6And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

    7Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

  3. Psalms 120:5–6Rank 3 from verse 19
    Open

    5Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

    6My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

  4. Jeremiah 9:2Rank 4 from verse 19
    Open

    2Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

From verse 20

  1. Matthew 25:3–4Rank 1 from verse 20
    Open

    3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

    4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

  2. Ecclesiastes 5:19Rank 2 from verse 20
    Open

    19Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

  3. Psalms 112:3Rank 3 from verse 20
    Open

    3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

  4. Ecclesiastes 7:11Rank 4 from verse 20
    Open

    11¶ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

  5. Proverbs 15:6Rank 5 from verse 20
    Open

    6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

From verse 21

  1. Matthew 5:6Rank 1 from verse 21
    Open

    6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

  2. 1 Corinthians 15:58Rank 2 from verse 21
    Open

    58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

  3. Proverbs 22:4Rank 3 from verse 21
    Open

    4By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

  4. 1 Timothy 6:11Rank 4 from verse 21
    Open

    11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

  5. Hebrews 12:14Rank 5 from verse 21
    Open

    14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:14

COMBINED MEANING

gift

↗

Sense 1: Something given or bestowed; a present. Sense 2: An endowment or ability. Sense 3: A bribe.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

secret

↗

1. Hidden, concealed, private, or not openly known. 2. A hidden matter, counsel, or mystery.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

anger

↗

Sense 1: Strong displeasure or indignation. Sense 2: As a verb, to provoke to such displeasure.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

reward

↗

Sense 1: A benefit, payment, honour, punishment, or recompense given or received. Sense 2: As a verb, to give such a return.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

strong

↗

Having great power, might, firmness, courage, capacity, influence, defence, health, intensity, or ability to act, endure, resist, overcome, or support.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wrath

↗

Fierce anger, indignation, displeasure, rage, or the punitive judgment and destructive action that proceed from it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:15

COMBINED MEANING

joy

↗

Sense 1: Gladness, delight, or rejoicing. Sense 2: To rejoice, delight, or be glad.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

judgment

↗

The act, authority, process, cause, or result of judging; discernment, legal hearing, verdict, ordinance, justice, government, vindication, condemnation, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

destruction

↗

The act, result, or state of destroying: ruin, overthrow, death, wasting, or that which brings ruin.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

iniquity

↗

Wickedness, unrighteousness, transgression, or sin; the guilt or burden of such wrongdoing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:16

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wandereth

↗

Third-person singular present form of wander. Sense 1: To move or roam without a settled course. Sense 2: Figuratively, to stray from a right way, command, or allegiance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

out

↗

Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

understanding

↗

1. The capacity or act of perceiving, comprehending, discerning, judging, interpreting, or applying knowledge. 2. Knowledge, insight, wisdom, or prudent judgment possessed or gained. 3. Skill or ability in a work, art, subject, vision, saying, or interpretation.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

remain

↗

Sense 1: To be left or still exist after others are gone, removed, consumed, or destroyed. Sense 2: To stay, abide, or continue in a place, state, condition, or relation.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

congregation

↗

1. A gathered assembly, company, or community of people, or the people considered together as a body. 2. In the fixed expressions "tabernacle of the congregation" and "tent of the congregation," part of the name of the appointed meeting place.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

dead

↗

Sense 1: Without life; deprived of life. Sense 2: Lifeless, inactive, insensible, or separated from a former state by figure.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:17

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wine

↗

The produce of grapes or other fruit used as a drink.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

oil

↗

1. An oily substance, especially olive oil. 2. To anoint or supply with oil.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

rich

↗

Possessing abundance, wealth, resources, value, fruitfulness, or fullness.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:18

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

ransom

↗

Sense 1: A price or payment for release or deliverance. Sense 2: As a verb, to redeem, rescue, or deliver.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

righteous

↗

Sense 1: Right, just, equitable, or in accord with truth, justice, or the will of God. Sense 2: Upright or innocent in a matter. Sense 3: Made or regarded as right. Sense 4: As a noun, persons so described.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

upright

↗

1. Honest, just, or morally right; also a person so characterized. 2. Straight, erect, or standing up.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:19

COMBINED MEANING

better

↗

Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wilderness

↗

Uncultivated, desolate, sparsely inhabited, or uninhabited land; a desert, wild country, or solitary region.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:20

COMBINED MEANING

treasure

↗

Sense 1: Valuable things or provisions stored; a specially valued possession. Sense 2: An inward store from which something is brought forth.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

desired

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of desire, meaning to wish for, long for, request, or take pleasure in.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

oil

↗

1. An oily substance, especially olive oil. 2. To anoint or supply with oil.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

dwelling

↗

Sense 1: Residing, remaining, or abiding. Sense 2: A habitation, home, resting place, or territory.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

spendeth

↗

Third-person singular present form of spend. Sense 1: To use, expend, consume, or give out. Sense 2: To pass time or life in a stated manner.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:21

COMBINED MEANING

after

↗

1. Later than or following in time or order. 2. Behind. 3. In pursuit of.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mercy

↗

Compassion or pity shown to the distressed or guilty; kindness that withholds deserved harm.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

findeth

↗

Third-person singular present form of find (to discover, meet with, obtain, perceive, or learn by search or experience).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

honour

↗

Sense 1: Esteem, respect, dignity, glory, distinction, or exalted standing. Sense 2: To esteem, respect, acknowledge, reward, or adorn.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.

READ BEFORE AND AFTER

Surrounding Verses

Nearby Scripture remains separate from the selected passage until you add it.

13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

14A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

Selected passage

15It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Selected passage

16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

Selected passage

17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

Selected passage

18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

Selected passage

19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Selected passage

20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Selected passage

21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Selected passage

22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

LOCAL PASTOR DIRECTORY

Find a Pastor Near You

Enter a U.S. ZIP code to find nearby pastors committed to holding fast the faithful word.

Your ZIP is processed in this browser from local data. It is not sent to a ZIP lookup service or to a church. ZIP coordinates from GeoNames, licensed under CC BY 4.0.